Jewelry ring

ABSTRACT

A ring is provided and includes a first ring element; a second ring element; and a third ring element having an opening that receives the first and second ring elements therethrough such that the first and second ring elements pivot about the third ring element. In another aspect, each of the first, second, and third ring elements is rotatable relative to the others. In one exemplary embodiment, each of the first, second and third ring elements comprises a toroidal member.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] This invention concerns jewelry and more particularly, a ring having a pair of ring members that are joined together such that the two ring members are pivotable and rotatable relative to one another, while maintaining a unitary appearance.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Finger rings have long been worn by both men and women as decorative jewelry. The decorative nature of a ring is very broad and rings can be designed in all types of shapes, styles, and sizes. For example, the ring can have a simple style in that it only includes a smooth polished surface or the ring can carry a gemstone (e.g., diamond, ruby or other precious stone) or the like (e.g., a pearl). In addition, either the outer and/or inner surfaces of the ring can include an engraving or have some type of other decorative indicia formed thereon.

[0003] The prior art contains a number of different types of hinged rings that include at least two portions that are connected by a hinge at a point along the ring. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,682,768 to Nissenbaum discloses a jewelry ring with hinged ring segments. The main center ring is split into ornamental halves and one or more ring segments are hingedly connected to the ring halves. A wearer can thus selectively rotate the ring segment so that it is adjacent to either of the ring halves of the main ring to provide the wearer with a variety of visual appearances. Unfortunately, the hinge mechanism in this particular patent does not have aesthetic qualities and is susceptible to damage or failure since it is a mechanical part.

[0004] U.S. Pat. No. 5,669,241 discloses another hinged finger ring. This ring also includes at least two members that are connected together at a point by a hinge. Diametrically opposite the hinge point, the first member has a clasp hingably connected thereto and diametrically opposite the hinge point, the second member has a catch. In a closed position, the clasp engages with the catch to form a finger ring having a unitary appearance. Once again, this type of ring uses a mechanical hinge and is rather unsightly due to the presence of a clasp, etc.

[0005] While the prior art includes a number of different types of hinged rings, they all function in essentially the same manner and the various parts of each move in a set manner to permit the rings to pivot open and shut.

SUMMARY

[0006] A versatile ring is provided and according to one embodiment includes a first toroidal member, a second toroidal member, and a third toroidal member having an opening that receives a section of the first and second toroidal members therethrough. The first and second toroidal members pivot about the third toroidal member from an open position to a closed position in which the first and second toroidal members are adjacent one another. In this closed position, the first and second toroidal members are fitted onto a wearer's finger (e.g., the ring finger).

[0007] In another aspect, each of the first, second, and third toroidal members is rotatable relative to other members, even when the first and second toroidal members are in the closed position. The ability to rotate the first and second toroidal members permits the wearer to easily change the visual appearance of the ring. For example, at least one of and preferably both of the first and second toroidal members includes at least one setting for carrying a gemstone or the like. When each of the first and second toroidal members carries a gemstone or the like, the relative positions of the gemstones can be altered by moving one of the first and second toroidal members. Accordingly, the wearer can decide to position the gemstones near each other or the wearer can decide to position the gemstones in different positions where they are spaced apart from one another by simply rotating one of the first and second toroidal members relative to the other one.

[0008] The above, and other objects, features and advantages of the present device will become apparent from the following description read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals designate the same elements.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES

[0009]FIG. 1 is perspective view of a ring according to a first embodiment and shown being worn on a finger;

[0010]FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the ring of FIG. 1;

[0011]FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of the ring of FIG. 1 in a closed position;

[0012]FIG. 4 is a front elevational view of the ring of FIG. 1 in an open position;

[0013]FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of a ring according to a second embodiment;

[0014]FIG. 6 is a front elevational view of the ring of FIG. 5 in a closed position;

[0015]FIG. 7 is a front elevational view of the ring of FIG. 5 in an open position;

[0016]FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of a ring according to a third embodiment;

[0017]FIG. 9 is a front elevational view of the ring of FIG. 8 in a closed position;

[0018]FIG. 10 is a front elevational view of the ring of FIG. 8 in an open position;

[0019]FIG. 11 is a top perspective view of the ring of FIG. 8 on a hand with one of the ring elements being manipulated to an alternative position; and

[0020]FIG. 12 is a top perspective view of the ring of FIG. 8 on the hand after one of the ring elements has been manipulated to the alternative position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0021] Referring to FIGS. 1-4, a ring 100 according to a first embodiment is illustrated. While it is intended for the ring 100 to be of the type that can be worn on a finger, it will also be understood that ring 100 can be worn also on a toe. The ring 100 includes a first ring element 110 and a second ring element 120. In one exemplary embodiment, both the first and second ring elements 110, 120 are toroidal shaped members with each member having an outer surface 122 and an inner surface 124. While the first and second ring elements 110, 120 illustrated in FIG. 1 are of the same or substantially the same size, the first and second ring elements 110, 120 can be of different sizes. The first and second ring elements 110, 120 can be formed of any number of materials that are typically used to form finger rings and other jewelry. For example, the first and second ring elements 110, 120 can be formed of a metal and preferably each is formed of a precious metal, such as silver, gold, platinum, etc.

[0022] The first and second ring elements 110, 120 are coupled to one another by a third ring element 130. The third ring element 130 is of such a construction that it not only securely links the first and second ring elements 110, 120 but also permits the first and second ring elements 110, 120 to pivot relative to one another and further permits rotation of the first and second ring elements 110, 120 relative to one another.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the third ring element 130 is also a toroidal shaped member having an outer surface 132 and an inner surface 134. The third ring element 130 can be formed of the same material as the first and second ring elements 110, 120 or it can be formed of a different material.

[0024] The inner diameter of the third ring element 130 is slightly greater than the sum of the outer diameters of the first and second ring elements 110, 120 so that the first and second ring elements 110, 120 can be received within the inner opening defined by the third ring element 130. However, the fit of the first and second ring elements 110, 120 within the third ring element 130 is not an extreme frictional fit since the third ring element 130 and the first and second ring elements 110, 120 should be free to move relative to one another. For example, if the first and second ring elements 110, 120 are held stationary, the third ring element 130 can move freely circumferentially around the first and second ring elements 110, 120 as is illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 4 in which the third ring element 130 is shown in a first position in FIG. 2 and in a second different position in FIG. 4, thereby illustrating the ability of the third ring element 130 to freely move along the first and second ring elements 110, 120.

[0025] It will also be appreciated that not only does the third ring element 130 permit movement of the first and second ring elements 110, 120 relative to one another, but it also permits the first and second ring elements 110, 120 to pivot relative to one another. In FIG. 4, the first and second ring elements 110, 120 are illustrated in an open position and in FIGS. 1-3, the first and second ring elements 110, 120 are illustrated in a closed position. Because the first and second ring elements 110, 120 do not occupy the entire area that defines the opening of the third ring element 130, each of the first and second ring elements 110, 120 is able to move in a pivoting manner. This is in part due to the complementary shapes (e.g., arcuate surfaces) of the sections of the first and second ring elements 110, 120 that are received within the third ring element 130.

[0026] It will further be appreciated that the third ring element 130 can move along sections of the first and second ring elements 110, 120 when these elements 110, 120 are in the closed position. More specifically, the third ring element 130 can move along a substantial circumferential length of each of the first and second ring elements 110, 120 when the two are in the closed position. It will be understood that the settings 140 restrict movement of the third ring element 130 along the first and second ring elements 110, 120.

[0027] The pivoting action of the first and second ring elements 110, 120 is intended to permit the ring to be positioned between an open position (FIG. 4) and a closed position (FIG. 3). It is intended that ring 100 be worn on a single extremity (e.g., a finger or even a toe if constructed for such use) in the closed position with the first and second ring elements 110, 120 being adjacent and in contact with one another. The wearer can therefore pivot the first and second ring elements 110, 120 to the closed position prior to inserting a finger through the openings of the first and second ring elements 110, 120. The ring 100 can also be placed on a finger by first inserting the finger through one of the first and second ring elements 110, 120 and then placing this ring element near the finger tip, while the other of the first and second ring elements 110, 120 is pivoted so that the finger tip is received through the opening formed in this finger element. After the finger extends through both ring elements 110, 120, the ring 100 can then be positioned in a desired location on the wearer's finger.

[0028] According to one exemplary embodiment, the first and second ring elements 110, 120 each includes a setting 140 for securely holding a precious stone (e.g., gemstone) or the like (e.g., a pearl), generally indicated at 200. However, it will also be appreciated that only one of the first and second ring elements 110, 120 can include a setting to securely hold a stone or the like.

[0029] Currently, jewelry settings, such as the setting 140 are available in many different types and styles. Among the different sets or settings available are prong sets, bead sets, bezel sets, channel sets, pave settings, and invisible sets. These can be used alone or in combination with each other. Each of these settings has different advantages and the selection of which setting to use depends upon a number of factors, including the type of ring being used and the type and size of the stone or the like which is to be set.

[0030] Currently, prong setting involves securing a stone between two to six wires (prongs), that extend up from a base that is usually the shape of the stone. The prongs are notched to follow the same profile as the stone, so that when the prongs are closed onto the stone, the notched profile forms around the girdle of the stone. The strength of the prong depends on the type of metal, how the metal was heated, how the prong was formed, how the metal was attached to the design, and how much of a notch was cut. This process is typically only used with heat resistant stones, such as diamonds, rubies, or sapphires that are of sufficient quality so as not to be susceptible to heat expansion stress.

[0031] A second type of setting is a bead setting that involves setting a stone into a piece of metal just below the surface by drilling a hole into the metal with a specialized burr that will allow the stone to sit on a seat, so that the table of the stone can be positioned just below the surface. The stone is then secured to the metal by raising a small bead of metal with a steel graver or similar tool, immediately next to the stone until the bead contacts the stone, holding it in the seat.

[0032] A third setting called pave setting uses the same process as bead setting, except that the stones are set in a broader area, as opposed to traditional bead settings which usually follow a straight line or involve just a single stone. Both bead and pave settings often involve stones of 2.5 mm or less. This setting is very secure. However, the beads still do wear down and can sometimes snag clothing. Also, the stone is essentially buried into the metal, causing 50-60% of the stone to be hidden.

[0033] A fourth type of setting is a bezel setting, which is essentially the same as a prong setting, except that the entire perimeter of the stone is covered with a thin ribbon of metal. The bezel is usually a tapered or straight solid tube of an appropriate diameter so as to be able to have a seat burred into it, so that the stone will sit on it with enough left to be pushed, hammered, or otherwise lowered onto the stone to hold it in the bezel. Bezel settings have a smooth edge all around the stone that will not snag, and are very secure. However, this setting technique covers approximately ⅔ of the stone.

[0034] A fifth type of setting is a channel setting. Channel setting involves setting a stone in a channel between opposing channel walls. A small seat is cut in each channel wall so that the corresponding size stone will sit between the walls, suspended above the base of the channel. The walls are then hammered onto the edge of the stone until the stone is secure. This type of setting most often involves stones of 2.5 mm or less.

[0035] A sixth type of setting for stones is an invisible setting which describes a technique used to set a number of stones together in rows or patterns, so that there is no perceptible means of support. The stones have a very small groove, just under the girdle, on the pavilion. The groove is small enough so as not to be visible from the top, but large enough to accept a thin piece of metal. The stones are grouped together into the particular pattern on top of a lattice form that will accommodate each stone. The metal is then pushed into the grooves of each stone from the back of the lattice, securing the stones to the lattice form.

[0036] Currently, the shape or cut of the stone will determine, in part, how it is to be set. Most shapes can be set in prongs or bezels, while only rounds and squares can be channel set, only rounds can be bead or pave set, and only squares can be invisibly set. These setting methods are generally used for faceted stones.

[0037] Beads and pearls are set using different setting methods than those described above since these members usually are set by first drilling a hole into or through the members. The beads or pearls can then be glued to a post that is attached to a base. Another setting method is to drill a hole through the stone, and pass a wire or cord through the hole, twisting the ends of the wire together and attaching the resulting loop of wire to a jewelry piece, such as a ring. A third method currently used to set these types of stones is to make a cap that covers one end of the briolette, and then attach the cap to a base using an adhesive.

[0038] It will be understood that the aforementioned setting techniques are merely exemplary in nature and each of these types of settings can be incorporated into the ring 100 of the present application or the ring 100 can be of a simpler design and not include a stone or the like secured in a setting.

[0039] Advantageously, the third ring element 130 permits the first and second ring elements 110, 120 to rotate relative to one another and therefore the position of the settings 140, and more importantly, the stones 200 or the like that are secured in the settings 140, can be rotated relative to one another. This permits the visual appearance of the ring 100 to be altered by the wearer.

[0040] For example and as illustrated in the embodiment of FIGS. 1-4, a first pearl 200 is secured by setting 140 of the first ring element 110 and a second pearl 200 is secured in the setting 140 of the second ring element 120. As illustrated, the sizes of the two pearls 200 can be different (see FIG. 1) or in another embodiment, the two pearls 200 can have the same size. The pearls 200 can be secured using the traditional technique described above in which a post is inserted into the pearl 200 to retain the pearl 200. In the illustrated embodiment, the larger of the pearls 200 can be thought of as the center or main pearl, while the other smaller one is a secondary or side pearl.

[0041] Because the first, second, and third ring elements 110, 120, 130 are rotatable relative to one another, the visual appearance of the ring 100 can be changed since the individual components can be placed in different positions, thereby altering the visual appearance of the ring 100. For example, the main pearl 200 can be positioned in the 12 o'clock position and then the other secondary, side pearl 200 can be adjusted relative to the main pearl 200. For example, the side pearl 200 can be positioned close to the main pearl 200 or it can be placed in other locations where it is spaced from the main pearl 200 (e.g., a 9 o'clock-11 o'clock position or a 1 o'clock-3 o'clock position).

[0042] It will also be appreciated that the wearer can position the secondary, side pearl 200 at the 12 o'clock position, while the larger, main pearl 200 can be positioned at other locations spaced therefrom. Further, neither the main pearl 200 nor the secondary pearl 200 has to be positioned at a 12 o'clock position but instead both can be positioned at other locations offset from the 12 o'clock position.

[0043] Accordingly, the arrangement of the first, second and third ring elements 110, 120, 130 provides a versatile ring 100 that can be easily adjusted in a number of different ways to offer different visual appearances to reflect the individual taste of the wearer at the moment.

[0044] FIGS. 5-7 illustrate another embodiment in which the ring 100 has different types of gemstones set within settings 140. For example, the setting 140 of the first ring element 110 can be of a prong type for carrying a gemstone 400 (e.g., a sapphire stone) and the setting 140 of the second ring element 120 can be of the same type or of a different type for carrying a gemstone 200 that is of the same or a different type compared to the gemstone 200 of the first ring element 110.

[0045] FIGS. 8-12 illustrate another embodiment in which a ring 300 is provided. Ring 300 is similar to ring 100 in that it includes the first, second, and third ring elements 110, 120, and 130; however, in this embodiment, there are multiple settings on each of the first and second ring elements 110, 120. More specifically, the first ring element 110 includes a first setting 310, which according to one embodiment is worn in the 12 o'clock position. The second ring element 120 includes a second setting 320 and a third setting 330 spaced therefrom. In the illustrated embodiment, the second and third settings 320, 330 are positioned less than about 180° from one another (e.g., 120° apart).

[0046] Each of the settings 310, 320, 330 carries a stone or other decorative item 400, 500. Once again, the settings 310, 320, 330 can be any of the various types of settings that were mentioned hereinbefore and the stones 400, 500 can be the same or different. For example, the first setting 310 can carry a first type of stone 400 (e.g., a diamond), while the second and third settings 320, 330 can carry a second type of stone 500 (e.g., a sapphire stone). Alternatively, all of the settings 310, 320, 330 can carry the same type of stones. Moreover, the stone 400 in the first settings 310 can be of the same type as one of the stones 500 in either the second or third settings 320, 330.

[0047] In one exemplary embodiment that is illustrated in FIGS. 8-12, the second and third settings 320, 330 are actually a setting that includes a number of smaller stones 500. For example, one or both of the second and third settings 320, 330 can be of a channel setting type in that one or more sections of the second ring element 120 are removed to form a trench therein. One or more stones 500 are then laid into the trench and then held in place using conventional techniques. In the illustrated embodiment, the second setting 320 is a first trench type setting and the third setting 330 is a second trench type setting. As is known, the trench is formed in the outer surface 122 of the second ring element 120 along a length thereof. On the opposite inner surface 124 of the second ring element 120, a number of windows 350 are formed therealong such that the windows 350 open into the trench. The purpose of the windows 350 is to permit light to pass into the trench underneath the stones 500 so as to illuminate the stones 500 for a more prominent and spectacular display.

[0048] In the exemplary embodiment, each of the channel settings 320, 330 includes a plurality of stones 500 laid therein. Typically, all of the stones 500 in one setting 320, 330 will be all of the same type; however, it will be understood that within a single setting 320, 330, there can be a number of different stones laid therein. Further, it will be appreciated that the stones 500 in the second setting 320 can be different from the stones 500 in the third setting 330.

[0049] In this embodiment, the use of multiple settings and stones provides the ring 300 with a number of different visual appearances. More specifically, in one embodiment, the second ring element 120 is rotated relative to the first ring element 110 such that one of the channel settings 320, 330 is disposed proximate or adjacent to the first setting 310. When one of the channel settings 320, 330 is in this position proximate to the first setting 310 (e.g., the 12 o'clock position), the other of the channel settings 320, 330 is generally in the 5 o'clock position, as best shown in FIGS. 9 and 10. This provides the wearer with one type of visual ring appearance since the channel setting 320, 330 near the first setting 310 likely includes different type(s) of stones than the one that forms a part of the first setting 310.

[0050] If the wearer wishes to alter the visual appearance of the ring 300, the wearer simply rotates one of the ring elements 310, 320 relative to the other one and this will change the locations of the stones 400, 500 relative to one another, as generally illustrated in FIGS. 11-12. For example, the wearer can rotate the second ring element 320 so that the second and third settings 320, 330 switch their relative positions. This offers a different visual appearance of the ring since the stone 400 of the first setting 310 is now adjacent or in close proximity to the stones 500 contained in the other setting 320, 330.

[0051] For example, the second setting 320 can include amethyst stones 500 and the third setting 330 can include aquamarine stones 500 and the stone 400 of the first setting 310 can be a diamond. When the wearer rotates the second ring element 320 relative to the first ring element 310 such that the second setting 320 is adjacent the first setting 310, the amethyst stones 500 are arranged next to the diamond 400 and the visual appearance is defined by the purple amethyst and the sparkling diamond. In contrast, if the wearer rotates the second ring element 120 relative to the first ring element 110 such that the third setting 330 is adjacent the first setting 310, the aquamarine stones 500 are arranged next to the diamond 400 and the visual appearance is defined by the slight bluish tint of the aquamarine stones and the sparkling properties of both the aquamarine stones and the diamond.

[0052] Furthermore, if the wearer wishes for the diamond 400 to be displayed by itself, then the wearer can adjust the second ring element 120 so that neither of the second and third settings 320, 330 is next to the diamond 400. It will be appreciated that there are a considerable number of different arrangements that can be provided by either manipulating one or both of the rings elements 110, 120.

[0053] Thus, the rings disclosed herein are versatile in that the visual appearance of each ring can be easily changed by altering the position of the gemstones or other decorative items that are carried on the ring elements. For example, the wearer can opt to arrange the ring elements so that the topmost section of the ring includes a number of gemstones or the wearer can arrange the ring elements so that the gemstones are more spaced out around the entire circumference of the ring.

[0054] While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A ring comprising: a first ring element; a second ring element; and a third ring element having an opening that receives the first and second ring elements therethrough such that the first and second ring elements pivot about the third ring element, and each of the first, second, and third ring elements being rotatable relative to one other.
 2. The ring of claim 1, wherein the first and second ring elements pivot between an open position and a closed position in which the first and second ring elements are adjacent one another and openings formed in the first and second ring elements are aligned.
 3. The ring of claim 1, wherein each of the first, second and third ring elements has a toroidal shape.
 4. The ring of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first and second ring elements has a first ring setting for carrying a decorative item.
 5. The ring of claim 4, wherein the decorative item comprises a gemstone.
 6. The ring of claim 1, wherein the first ring element includes a first ring setting for carrying a first decorative item and the second ring element includes a second setting for carrying a second decorative item.
 7. The ring of claim 6, wherein the first and second decorative items are selected from the group consisting of a gemstone and a pearl.
 8. A ring comprising: a first toroidal member; a second toroidal member; and a third toroidal member having an opening that receives a section of the first and second toroidal members therethrough such that the first and second toroidal members pivot about the third toroidal member from an open position to a closed position in which the first and second toroidal members are adjacent one another, and wherein each of the first, second, and third toroidal members is rotatable relative to one another.
 9. The ring of claim 8, wherein the third toroidal member is disposed in a plane that is substantially perpendicular to a plane containing the first toroidal member and a plane containing the second toroidal member.
 10. The ring of claim 9, wherein in the closed position, the plane containing the first toroidal member is substantially parallel to the plane containing the second toroidal member.
 11. The ring of claim 8, wherein the third toroidal member is disposed in a plane that is substantially perpendicular to a plane containing each of the first and second toroidal members in an open position.
 12. The ring of claim 8, wherein an inner diameter of the third toroidal member is slightly greater than a sum of the outer diameters of the first and second toroidal members.
 13. The ring of claim 8, wherein at least one of the first and second toroidal members has a first ring setting for carrying a decorative item.
 14. The ring of claim 8, wherein the decorative item comprises one of a gemstone and a pearl.
 15. The ring of claim 8, wherein the first toroidal member includes a first ring setting for carrying a first decorative item and the second toroidal member includes a second setting for carrying a second decorative item.
 16. The ring of claim 15, wherein the fist and second toroidal members are selected from the group consisting of a gemstone and a pearl.
 17. The ring of claim 8, wherein the first toroidal member includes at least two settings that each carry one decorative item and the second toroidal member includes at least two setting that each carry one decorative item, whereby rotation of at least one of the first and second toroidal members alters the visual appearance of the ring since relative positions of the decorative items are changed.
 18. The ring of claim 8, wherein the third toroidal member is free to travel along a circumferential length of the first and second toroidal members while the first and second toroidal members are received through the opening formed in the third toroidal member.
 19. The ring of claim 8, wherein inner and outer diameters of the first and second toroidal members are the same.
 20. The ring of claim 8, wherein the first toroidal member carries at least one gemstone of a first type and the second toroidal member carries at least one gemstone of a second type that is different from the first type.
 21. A ring comprising: a first ring element; a second ring element; and a third ring element having an opening that receives the first and second ring elements therethrough such that the first and second ring elements pivot about the third ring element, and each of the first, second, and third ring elements being rotatable and a relative position of the third ring element compared to each of the first and second ring elements is adjustable such that the third ring element can move along a substantial circumferential length of each of the first and second ring elements.
 22. The ring according to claim 21, wherein the third ring element has an inner diameter that is slightly greater than a sum of the outer diameters of the first and second elements. 